"CHRISTMAS" IN JUNE

There are some who are totally against finding out the gender of an unborn baby.
There are some that don't care either way.

There are some that MUST find out.

Let me preface. 

 We did not find out for baby #1 and baby #3. 

We did find out for baby #2 and #4.

Personally, I LOVE finding out.  

But!  It is not a necessity.  It is a convenience.

We have a small-ish house for our family size.

It definitely helps me to know which clothes I have to have out and washed--which room I need to have ready etc.

Plus, it is something to look forward to smack dab in the middle of the pregnancy!

Rather than waiting ALLLLLLLLLLLLLL the way till the end, it is like having a birthday gift!

Once you know the gender, you can start referring to him or her by  name (aloud or privately as your preference goes).

I've heard people say that during labor, if they don't know the gender, it helps them to focus on getting the baby out.  (Not that there is any way you could possibly keep a baby in!!! lol)  As for me, speaking with 4 labor and deliveries under my belt, I am totally NOT focused on whether or not the baby is a boy or girl.  It is almost an afterthought, actually.  Either way, we'll be happy with our blessing. 

So, without further ado: 

Here is a sneak peek of baby #5.

FIRST PICKINS

Our first tomatoes from the garden.

They are long gone.

Looks like before long we'll have an abundance of tomatoes!

Can anyone say spaghetti sauce?!!

POOL

Today we had our first pool time of the season.

It was a perfect day for it..HOT!!!

Unfortunately, I did not get too many pictures and none of Bean.

Whatchagonnado?

Michael went right in..even did some practicing with no swimmies on.

Rian was a bit more hesitant..but eventually was on her own.

Travis loved the water and as long as I was close, 

was happy with his swimmies.

Bean had to be "forced" in even though she could touch in the shallow end.

After I took her in she was okay, but definitely hung around the edge.

Hopefully next time she'll be a bit braver.

Michael even decided to try jumping in.

We're home now and all tired out.

I think maybe we'll try for early to bed.

FACE PAINTING FUN

It was hot yesterday.

Who am I kidding?

It has been hot all week.

Anyway, yesterday we spent the day outdoors in the kiddie pool with ice pops.

As an added bonus, I did some face painting.

Michael's dragon

Missy and her butterfly

Carina and her crabby self.

We were almost done..and she decided she didn't want the rest.

I did manage to get a little puppy face on Travis, 

but he wiped it off on my shirt before I could take a picture.

Oh well!

How have you been spending these hot days?

4TH OF JULY

Our fourth of July was both busy and relaxing at the same time.  

It was full, but not overwhelming.

We had lunch and a birthday celebration in the early afternoon.

Travis sporting his sunblock mohawk.

Just like Dad.

Watching a game of horseshoes.

A bit later in the afternoon, 

we went to the lake to cool off!

We timed it just right so the office was closed and we didn't need to pay holiday admission.

There were a lot of people there, but it was not overly crowded.

Water was great and the kids had a blast!

I did not take one single picture.

We were too busy chasing little swimmers and playing on the playground etc.

A nice surprise for Michael was that one of his friends from Pre-K was there and sought him out.

How she spotted him from the other side of the lake, I am still trying to figure out!

They had a nice time playing together.

Water, sand, and sun make for one pooped little guy!

From the lake, we headed into town for fireworks

(and some pre-firework ice cream!)

We got a spot just in time.  

Not even 10 minutes after we pulled in and parked, the parking lot was nearly full.

And this a little over an hour before the show was to start.

Travis woke up right after everyone finished their ice cream...

Is it time yet?

Pretending to take pictures

This is what Daddy did while the fireworks were being set off.

Travis had a nice seat on Michael's back...

I am a lousy firework photographer.

I admit it.

I never time it just right.

In my defense, the battery was going on the camera and there was a bit of a delay.

Happy Birthday, America!

I HAVE A PROBLEM

Carina's dance recital was cute.

As I lamented in a previous post, there was a shortage of tickets and a very small auditorium--

so we had plans to record the performance.

No problem.

It is recorded.  

They were the very first routine and did a great job.

My problem?

I cannot upload it on here for whatever reason.

I will keep trying.

In the meantime, here is a sneak preview.

Getting her hair braided prior to the program.

The intro uploads with no problem.

??????

A still frame.

Again, I WILL keep trying!

MOVING RIGHT ALONG

You would think that once school is wrapped up for the school year

 that things would quiet down a bit. 

 Wouldn't you?  

Ha!  

HaHa!

Nope.  We just have different activities to fill our time.

Here are some things we have been up to lately.

We ordered Painted Lady Butterflies hatch.

(poor pictures, sorry)

They came in the mail as caterpillars, complete with food.

We watched them grow..

 

 And form their chrysalids...this morning we transferred the chrysalids into the "Butterfly Garden."

We are now awaiting the transformation into butterflies.  It should take about a week.  Stay tuned.

We have also had several friends over to play..

This is the only picture I have..even though we've had multiple playdates.

We visited our new cousin.

Missy was thrilled to hold him.

We are seeing a lot of growth from the chicks.

It is amazing how much they have changed in such a short time.

We have been playing outside a lot.

As the kids play, I try to get some weeding and other garden related chores done.

I've given up on the carrots..but I think we may have a teeny tiny pepper plant or two popping up.

Everything else seems to be doing well.

I haven't had any more issues with critters in the garden since the one incident awhile back.

Though--I have noticed a deer hanging around lately.

I threatened her.

Maybe she won't be back.

The kids wrapped up Sunday School with a short program which was followed by a potluck lunch...

We attended a couple graduation parties...

We celebrated Father's Day with a take-out dinner in the park (on Friday) since it was a full weekend..and an air mattress for Daddy for when he goes camping...

We had our last dance class...speaking of which!  I'm a bit disappointed.  There is a very small quantity of tickets allowed per family.  So, pretty much we are the only ones who can attend.  Not cool when you have a large family.  The tickets are also pretty pricey!  Not to worry though, we plan on recording the recital for anyone who wishes to watch Carina in action. 

I'm finalizing my VBS lessons as it is coming up in two weeks or so...

We signed up for summer reading...

We attended a magic show....

Carina got her own library card...

I'm mentally preparing for potty training after that is done as well as mentally preparing to start school prep in the near future...

AND..we're nearly halfway there in this pregnancy already.  Tomorrow will be 20 weeks!  Is it just me or is this one flying by?!!  I guess it could be partly because we waited till almost 4 months along to visit our healthcare providers.  I've only had two visits with them so far.  So far so good.  

Yes, we hope to find out whether or not #5 is a brother or sister.

We'll see if we share it on here.  You might have to convince me.

I don't tell names.  

Don't bother wasting your time trying to convince me of that.

Won't happen.

You also won't see any belly pics from me.

Sorry.

I'm probably missing some things we've been doing.  You get the gist however.  All this stuff while trying to get the normal household things done..we're busy.

Happy Summer!